Staten Islanders struggling with health and $$ woes can claim air conditioners

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- For most New Yorkers, getting over the discomfort is as simple as switching on the air conditioning. Folks who cannot afford a cooling system may simply have to sweat it out.

But for thousands of medically fragile New Yorkers, the heat brings with it potentially serious health consequences.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today a program to supply air-conditioning units to New Yorkers who need them for health reasons, but cannot afford to buy them -- a move applauded by Staten Island lawmakers.

"With temperatures approaching 100 degrees, it is imperative that Staten Islanders take the necessary precautions to beat the heat, especially those with problematic health conditions," said Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn). "I urge all Staten Islanders who need access to air conditioners to take advantage of this program if eligible, and I encourage everyone to check on their sick and elderly neighbors to see if they need help applying or installing their unit."

In order to protect vulnerable New Yorkers, New York state has set aside $3 million in funding through the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

"The late spring and early summer have already brought several heat waves, which can be life-and-death matters for New Yorkers with serious medical conditions," Cuomo said in a statement. "Senior citizens and children are especially susceptible to heat-related illness, and this initiative will provide low-income homes with much-needed air conditioners so that New Yorkers have the assistance they need to stay cool and healthy."

Eligibility for the program is determined by LIHEAP low-income guidelines. (For a four-person household, the maximum gross annual income to qualify is approximately $49,500.)

*Having at least one household member who has been diagnosed with a chronic or acute medical condition which is aggravated by exposure to extreme heat situations.

*A doctor providing written documentation (dated within the last six months) that air-conditioning assistance is critical to prevent a heat emergency.

*Households that have a working air conditioner or have received one from the state in the last 10 years are not eligible.

The cooling program is administered by HCR with funding provided from federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds, through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).

Under the terms of the grant, one air conditioner will be awarded to an eligible household or dwelling unit, with installation and labor included. Grants do not include an additional HEAP cash benefit to cover the cost of operating the air conditioning unit.

On Staten Island, Northfield Community LDC of Staten Island will oversee the program. The Weatherization agency can be reached at 718-442-7351.

Questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to local providers listed above or the NYS HEAP Hotline at 1-800-342-3009. Those who want to see if they qualify under HEAP's income guidelines should consult www.mybenefits.ny.gov

"Working with our non-profit partners across the state, we are happy to provide some relief to those needy New Yorkers with medical conditions," said Darryl C. Towns, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, which administers LIHEAP. "But if you find yourself without air conditioning and in a true heat emergency this summer, please do not wait: Head to your nearest local cooling center."